LOS ANGELES — The UCLA Bruins return to Pasadena to take on the No. 8 Oregon Ducks in their first meeting as members of the Big Ten. Since 2008, the Bruins are 1-10 against the Ducks, with the sole victory coming at the Rose Bowl in 2017. Coming in as massive underdogs, the odds are stacked against the Bruins in this one.
Game Information
Who: UCLA Bruins (1-2, 0-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 8 Oregon Ducks (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
When: 8:00 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium
Odds: UCLA +25.5, o/u 55.5 via BetMGM
TV: FOX
Bruins on offense
The Bruins are in the midst of the toughest three game stretch of their schedule (@ LSU, vs. Oregon, @ Penn State), and are trying to find their offensive identity. Navigating top tier defenses and playing from behind makes that significantly harder. Ethan Garbers currently ranks 13th amongst Big Ten quarterbacks in QBR (41.4), UCLA ranks dead last in rushing yards per game amongst conference opponents (60.3) and total offense.
After playing their best offensive half of the season in the first half last week in Tiger Stadium, the Bruins stalled in the second half, failing to put points on the board. If the Bruins are going to make this one a game, Garbers is going to need to be the quarterback fans saw for the first 30 minutes in Baton Rouge. Even if he plays a perfect game, UCLA is going to need a lot to fall their way under the bright lights of the Rose Bowl.
Bruins on defense
Despite the Bruin offense lacking a true identity, the Bruin defense knows who they are; stuff the run, beat us in the air. Through three games, the Bruins rank 7th amongst conference opponents in rushing yards allowed per game (92.0). On the contrary, UCLA is allowing 387.3 passing yards per game, second most in the Big Ten. This is the Bruins’ key to success.
Oklahoma transfer (and former Bruin for about 30 minutes) Dillon Gabriel came into the year as the odds on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, and has found a way to get it done for the Ducks. Gabriel is completing 84% of his passes, is yet to throw an interception, and is in the process of getting his campaign back on track after a few scares to begin the year. Containing Gabriel as a passer is going to be a challenge, but a takeaway or two can change a game. This week in practice, linebacker Kain Medrano emphasized the importance of being “1/11” and everyone playing their part. It’s going to take all 11 and then some to contain the Ducks on Saturday.
Prediction
Oregon came into the season as one of the favorites to win the National Championship for very good reason. On both sides of the ball, Oregon may be the most athletic team in the country. Despite a slow start, the Ducks seemingly found their footing in the second half against Oregon State. That, combined with Dan Lanning having an extra week to prepare, leads me to believe the Ducks will win this version of “Big Ten After Dark” handedly.
Oregon 38, UCLA 10